He might have been giant Despite his near sellout of the Trocadero Saturday night, things could have been better for Buju Banton. The 36-year-old Jamaican roots reggae/dancehall singer and lyricist was once set to follow in Bob Marley’s giant steps. By popularizing dancehall with his innovations of lyrics speaking of social consciousness and his use [...]
Gay groups anger Buju’s management The cancellation of another Buju Banton concert in the United States, due to pressure from gay rights groups, has prompted an angry response from the singjay’s management. Banton was scheduled to perform on October 8 at the Urban Lounge in Salt Lake City, Utah, but the show was cancelled Tuesday, [...]
Jamaican reggae legend Max Romeo Max Romeo. is on the brink of ending his forty year career, but retains much of the vim and vision that made him a pioneer of rude reggae in the Sixties. Today’s World Tracks is an exclusive exchange with one of the monuments of reggae music. This is Max Romeo [...]
Tuff Gong signs distribution deal with Disney A giant of family entertainment has teamed up with the biggest brand name in Caribbean music. Tuff Gong Caribbean Distributors, part of the legendary Marley stable of corporations, has reached an agreement with Hollywood and Walt Disney Records for the exclusive distribution of their catalogue throughout the Caribbean. [...]
Lest we forget Peter Tosh, Free I, Doc Brown Last Friday, September 11, had immense global historical significance. This date is traditionally celebrated in Ethiopia as New Year’s Day according to its ancient Julian Calendar. Since 2001, it took on new meaning in the western world as for the past eight years the calamity that [...]
Tarrus Riley’s music is ‘Contagious’ Tarrus Riley is mixing styles on his newest album and he’s spreading it “like a virus.” So many artists are throwing a little reggae into their music, and Thanks to artists like Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Shaggy it’s really entered the mainstream in America. Now, the title of Tarrus’ [...]
DJ Dossier: Tony Culture If you missed Tony Culture spinning reggae and dancehall music during last weekend’s ultra-packed First Friday celebration, don’t worry. You can always catch the dreadlocked DJ working the turntables next month. Or the month after that. And then the month after that. In fact, the Jamaican-born musician and platter jock has [...]
Mavado’s Range shot up – Foota denies involvement Shots were fired at Mavado’s upper St Andrew home early Tuesday morning, and although persons speculate that it may have been linked to a recent feud with Foota Hype, the selector has denied any involvement in the incident. Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, Foota Hype said: “Mi [...]
Steely leaves indelible mark on dancehall While jamming at the popular Rae Town dance in 1987, Home T member Mikie Bennett said he was struck by an infectious new rhythm. “I found out that it was called the Cats Paw and it was done by Steely and Clevie at Jammys (producer Lloyd James),” Bennett told [...]
Local entertainers scoff at retirement For many persons, age is just a concept. Nowhere is that proven more than the local music industry, where countless entertainers are on a musical mission that spans their entire lives. Retirement age is 60 and 65 for women and men, respectively, with early retirement starting at 55. Music, however, [...]